I absolutely adore my historic (1916) bungalow in the Armory Park neighborhood of downtown Tucson, but since my work as a flutist will have me in Miami much of this year, I am offering it to you! This fully furnished, darling, and colorful 1BR/BA is perfect for 2 visitors any time of year. (There is an air mattress available as well, and its suitability for extra people depends on the sensibilities on the people sleeping on it!)

Enjoy dining out? Take a short stroll for fabulous ice cream at The Hub, local foods at Proper or Diabolo Burger, upscale Mexican cuisine at Cafe Poca Cosa, inexpensive New York style pizza at Empire Pizza, superb cocktails at 47 Scott, homemade pastas and wood fired pizzas at Reilly's, great coffee at Sparkroot Cafe (the only Blue Bottle Coffee in Arizona), Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails (owned by a James Beard culinary award semi-finalist), three microbreweries, or sample the lot by taking Downtown Tucson's Food Walking Tour.

If you prefer to prepare food in house, you'll appreciate the recently restored kitchen with its quality cookware, knives and extensive cookbook library, two downtown farmers markets, along with Tucson's Organic Food Cooperative market on Fourth Avenue.

The arts and entertainment minded will find countless events and venues downtown, including the Fox Theater, the Tucson Convention Center and Music Hall, the Tucson Symphony, the Arizona Opera, the Rialto Theater, the Arizona Theatre Company, The Screening Room, as well the Philabaum Glass studio, the Sonoran Glass School and a number of funky and fun art studios. You might even hear me performing at the symphony or opera! (Psst! A little secret: If you're interested in attending, I may be able wrangle a few free symphony tickets, or discounted opera tickets.)

Feel like attending a festival or special event? The world famous Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the bi-annual Fourth Avenue Street Fair, the Annual Tucson Folk Festival, the "Tucson Meet Yourself" Folklife Festival, Tucson's monthly "2nd Saturday Downtown," "Dillinger Days," the Open Studio Tour, and our First Saturday Art Walk are all accessible using just your two feet.

You'll find a number of museums in the immediate area, as well, including the Tucson Museum of Art, the Arizona Historical Society's Downtown Museum, the Tucson Children's Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum.

Active visitors will enjoy the nearby "Meet Me at Maynard's" Monday evening social walk/run, popular yoga studios (Tucson Yoga, Yoga Oasis, Fourth Avenue Yoga), the gym and pool at the downtown YMCA, O2 Modern Fitness, "Rocks and Ropes" climbing gym, all within a few blocks. Follow the blue line of the "Presidio Trail" for an informative historic downtown walking tour, or take the house bicycle on nearby bike routes and bike paths.

Don't want the hassle of parking at the University of Arizona, but want to enjoy its many educational, cultural, and sporting events and opportunities? It's quicker, more convenient, and far more enjoyable to put the aforementioned bicycle to use than to drive. Or take our new modern streetcar!

If you want to expand your Tucson experience, hop in a car and explore Saguaro National Park, Mount Lemmon (yes, you can ski in Tucson!), Sabino Canyon, and the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, along with high end shopping and popular outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.

You'll find many amenities and services within a short walk of the house as well, including Sunlink, our new modern streetcar, a central bus station (Sun Tran Rondstat Transit Center), the Amtrak (train) Station, the free Downtown Loop shuttle, a full service post office, a large library branch, and many city and county offices. The airport is an easy 15 minute drive away, and the Greyhound Bus station is on the opposite edge of downtown, about a mile away.

Enjoy your stay as a Tucson Downtown Denizen!

Guest Access

Entire home (half of duplex). Fenced back yard, not including motorcycle which may or may not be parked there during time of you stay!
I will still have most of my belongings in the house, but I have made closet, dresser, can medicine cabinet space available to you.

Interaction with Guests

Since the house is available because I am working in Miami, I will most likely not be in Tucson during the time of your stay. (There are some exceptions, during which I would love to meet you personally!) However, my very friendly and helpful boyfriend is available and willing to help you locally, should you need any assistance that can not be solved by me via phone/text/email!

Getting Around

Suntran (bus) Ronstadt Transit Station a short walk . Free downtown "LOOP" shuttle stops very close to the house. University of Arizona CatTran downtown route may also be accessible. Sunlink stop (our new modern streetcar) a few blocks away.

Other Things to Note

Be aware that historic houses are... historic! While my guests have been pleased with their experiences here, if you are looking for a home with fire hose water pressure, state of the art central climate control, floors that do not creak, or perfectly square angles, this house is not for you. But if you enjoy experiencing a bit of history, a colorful and cozy environment, and being downtown, you will not be disappointed.
Other disclaimers:
There are train tracks on the east side of my neighborhood. I don't notice the noise, my neighbors don't complain, and more than one AirBnB guest has described my house as "quiet." But I thought you should know.
Also from the "I thought you should know" department: the bathroom is not ADA compliant. The antique tub is higher than standard tubs. It's a big step to get in and out!
Finally, the laundromat that used to be down the street just closed. Project Laundry Shed has moved up to the critical list, but at this point, I do not have laundry facilities. (There are some a very short drive away, though.)

No smoking. Not even a little. Nope.
No illegal substances or activities of any kind allowed anywhere on the property.
No fire arms allowed anywhere on the property.
Pets are not allowed unless we have specifically discussed it and made special arrangements.

20 Reviews

Paula's apartment in Tucson was simply fantastic, really recommand it. On our trip with several airbnbs this was definitely the favourite and we really felt home. The apartment was as shown on the pictures, beautiful and cute, but even larger than we expected. Great kitchen, comfy livingroom, everything very clean, and helpful neighbours. We really liked the keycode instead of a physical key, for flexible check-in, and can't be lost :) The location was a quiet street, but a short walk from downtown with bars etc, and a yoga studio just around the corner. Parking was easy to find near the house. We found the area safe to walk around, also at night. Paula warned us that the bed is just a futon, but it was pretty ok to sleep on with two people for a few days. Paula answered quickly to all questions, was very friendly and helpful. Thank you!

We (a senior-citizen couple) stayed in Paula's place for four weeks and really enjoyed it. It's described accurately by Paula and the commenters -- half of an old historic duplex near downtown, with some quirks (including a creaky futon bed) and lots of charm. We enjoyed walking and riding bikes around downtown and the nearby historic neighborhoods and the University of Arizona campus (sometimes we used the streetcar to get to campus). We weren't bothered by the railroad traffic and found the location to be quiet enough, especially after 5 p.m. Paula is a wonderful host and we'd be glad to stay in her place again.

This small flat is cute is close to nice restaurants and more. It was tidy and clean when I arrived. Very cute. Though the air mattress had a slow leak which ended up giving me a very sore neck for two days as I let my daughter have the bed. Though Paula is delightful to deal with I was uncomfortable with the type of people selling blood up the street at the Blood bank and with those staying at the hostile across the street. The adjoining duplex sounded like they were moving furniture it seemed loud to me. Though I will say that I am used to a very quiet environment. The price is very reasonable. I am just trying to be honest and thorough with my feedback.

This was my second stay in Paula's lovely casita. Everything was clean and tidy when we arrived, as before. The central location meant that all the gem shows and other essentials like the car rental office & bank are 5-10 minutes away. The neighborhood is quiet and safe. Paula is almost instantly available for questions or problems such as where to find a replacement light bulb. Would definitely stay here again and hope it is available for my annual trek to Tucson next year. It really is an excellent home-away-from-home and so much better than a hotel room!

This is a very nice little house, historic by the standards of the area and really close to downtown Tucson. I saw that another reviewer commented that the neighborhood seemed sketchy, but I didn't feel that even when I walked around looking at the interesting houses at 11 pm one night. Access, parking and everything were all easy. The only negative worth mentioning might be that the fridge is right next to the bedroom and it's pretty loud.

Paula's house is comfortable and beautifully decorated. The location is only a block or two to downtown. The neighborhood itself is a bit rough, and at night the street is poorly lit. But parking, getting in, communicating with the host -- all went smoothly. Also, there is a beautiful children's museum close by that our whole family enjoyed.

About the Host, Paula

I'm a real live "starving artist" (aka symphony/opera flutist)! When I'm not working out of town, I love hiking, enjoying time with "Miss Molly" the beagle, cooking, blogging, and... riding my motorcycle!
To be honest, I'm a little nervous about renting out my own space - I trust you will respect it as you respect your own!